Forgiveness

Forgiveness we receive

Christian forgiveness begins not with something we do, but with something done for us. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). The whole of the Christian message is that forgiveness is offered freely at the cross of Christ and received with empty hands.

This is why the Christian life so often begins with tears — not of shame, but of relief. To be forgiven is to be unloaded of something we have carried for a long time.

Verses on forgiveness (KJV)

• “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

  — 1 John 1:9 (KJV)

• “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

  — Ephesians 4:32 (KJV)

• “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

  — Matthew 6:14 (KJV)

• “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”

  — Matthew 18:21–22 (KJV)

• “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”

  — Psalm 103:12 (KJV)

• “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

  — Isaiah 1:18 (KJV)

• “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.”

  — Psalm 86:5 (KJV)

• “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.”

  — Ephesians 1:7 (KJV)

• “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”

  — Colossians 3:13 (KJV)

• “Then Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”

  — Luke 23:34 (KJV)

• “Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases.”

  — Psalm 103:3 (KJV)

Forgiveness we give

Jesus said something startling: “If ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matthew 6:14). He was not saying we earn forgiveness by forgiving; He was saying we cannot really know we have received mercy while refusing to give any.

Peter once asked whether he should forgive someone seven times. Jesus answered, “Until seventy times seven.” He was not doing arithmetic. He was refusing to place a ceiling on mercy.

What forgiveness is not

Forgiveness is often misunderstood. A few gentle clarifications:

• Forgiveness is not saying the wrong was not wrong. A serious wound remains a wound.
• Forgiveness is not automatic reconciliation. You can forgive someone from your heart and still, wisely, keep distance.
• Forgiveness is not a single moment. Some hurts must be forgiven every morning for a long time.
• Forgiveness is not remaining in danger. If a situation is unsafe, seek help. Boundaries and forgiveness can live together.

A quiet way to begin

If someone comes to mind whom you have not yet forgiven, try this today:

1. Say their name out loud to God.
2. Name honestly what they did — not softened, not exaggerated.
3. Tell God you are choosing, today, to release the debt to Him.
4. Ask Him to help you mean it. Ask again tomorrow if you need to.

See also Love, Prayer, and Christian Living.